By Liz Massey, Feb. 26, 2015.

As spring temperatures warm the Valley of the Sun, the LGBT social calendar is heating up as well.

Here are our top 5 reasons that HRC Arizona’s 11th annual gala, which will take place Feb. 28 in the Sonoran Sky ballroom of the Arizona Grand Resort, is the prefect event to kick off the busy season of fundraising ahead.

1. The Doctor Is In

The event will be headlined by an appearance by actress Sara Ramirez (pictured), who will accept the organization’s Ally for Equality Award. Ramirez, who is straight, plays lesbian physician Dr. Callie Torres on the long-running television series “Grey’s Anatomy.”

2. Honoring Equality Pioneers

As part of the event, awards will be presented to Bobbi Lancaster, a Valley physician who was one of the first transgender women to attempt to play golf professionally with the LPGA tour, as well as the firms responsible for the Arizona court cases that led to statewide marriage equality: Lambda Legal and the Aiken Schenk Law Firm.

Additionally, the city of Tempe will receive the Community Equality Award. Last year, the municipality updated its city charter to mandate non-discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity and veteran status.

3. Auction Action

Before the dinner, attendees can bid in a silent auction on items that include a weeklong cabin vacation in Durango, Colo., exclusive hotel packages, and work by local artists.

Bob Jacobson, one of the gala’s co-chairs, said the money raised at the event will stay in Arizona, as part of HRC’s “Project One America” initiative, which aims to dramatically expand LGBT equality in key states. Ana Ma, chief operating officer for the HRC’s national office in Washington, D.C., will give an update on the organization’s efforts at the federal level.

4. Local Celebrity Sightings

Many of Phoenix’s queer VIPs will be out in force at the gala, including U.S. Rep. Kyrsten Sinema, an HRC-endorsed candidate who will provide welcoming remarks at the dinner.

Both Katy June, the gala’s other co-chair, and Jacobson promised the event will include a number of surprises, but Jacobson said the curious would have to show up to get the full scoop.

“Katy and I have worked our butts off to make this the biggest and best event in the Valley, and that includes the surprises,” he said.

5. An Evening For Celebrating

VIP tickets to the gala are only $30 more than general admission, and VIP ticket-holders gain access to a private reception with a cash bar and sumptuous appetizers.

And after the gala, Stacy’s at Melrose will host the official after-party, which will be co-sponsored by Sway Events.